Print Page | Close Window

E39 Oil Cooler

Printed From: Bavarian-Board.co.uk - BMW Owners Discussion Forum
Category: Technical & Model Specific Forums
Forum Name: BMW 5 Series
Forum Discription: This forum will deal with any issues on the BMW 5 Series (E12, E28, E34, E39, E60 & E61)
URL: http://www.bavarian-board.co.uk/forum_posts.asp?TID=47609
Printed Date: 19-May-2024 at 06:40


Topic: E39 Oil Cooler
Posted By: Wiseman777
Subject: E39 Oil Cooler
Date Posted: 07-March-2011 at 15:35
Hi to you all from a newbie. 

I've just replaced my oil cooler (split pipe) on my 98 523i with the help of the forum posts.  With the car level I filled the sump (lifetime oil in my case) which took 1.5 litres. 

My car is always parked on an incline (10 to 15 degrees) facing downhill and I expected some oil to be syphoned out as a result of said incline. 

I've not been able to properly check the oil level yet but I wondered is 1.5 litres typical for a top up after an oil cooler change?

Thanks in anticipation
Gray


Replies:
Posted By: Andrew Rolland
Date Posted: 08-March-2011 at 08:26

Was it the engine oil cooler or automatic transmission cooler?  When you mention lifetime oil that is usually associated with automatic transmissions.

Engine oil coolers have a thermostat which will open at set temps so the oil level would need to be checked once up to temp and the thermostat open to let the oil flow thru the full system.  Easy enough to check on dipstick.

Automatic transmissions on E39s are meant to be sealed for life (but ignore this) so as a result do not have dipsticks to measure fluid level.  You need to fill these 'boxes under pressure with fluid or use a Heath Robinson method of tubing leading from the underside up and round the side of the car to allow you to fill it properly.  These 'boxes are sensitive to the correct type fluid.

I'll try and check TIS to see if they mention a fluid volume for just doing that job.  I'll also see if they have a method of checking fluid level.



-------------
Be exclusive and drive a Petrol 5 Series!

Current
'13 62 F10 535i MSport Auto

Previous
'04 04 E60 545i SE Auto
'03 53 E60 545i SE Auto (Stolen)
'98 S E39 523i SE Auto

Posted By: Wiseman777
Date Posted: 08-March-2011 at 13:20
Sorry, yes it's the transmission oil cooler.

I've got all the necessary tools to do the job (Heath Robinson variety - pump, pipes etc), the oil (LT71141 - a right pain in itself to get hold of outside of BMW) and understand how to get the oil level correct for my particular transmission (oh, for a good old fashioned dip stick!). 

I've checked Bentleys manual and ZF (maker of my transmission) but all I get is that it holds 10.6 litres. 

I'm going to take the car out to warm up the transmission (gingerly for now) and see what happens when I do a level check at the weekend.  Any info would be be very helpful.

Posted By: Andrew Rolland
Date Posted: 09-March-2011 at 07:58

Sounds like you know what you are doing.

Take it for a run then check level and top up if necessary, that's about it I'm afraid, never got a chance to check TIS.



-------------
Be exclusive and drive a Petrol 5 Series!

Current
'13 62 F10 535i MSport Auto

Previous
'04 04 E60 545i SE Auto
'03 53 E60 545i SE Auto (Stolen)
'98 S E39 523i SE Auto


Print Page | Close Window